Varna Eneolithic Necropolis

Found by chance during construction works in 1972 in the western industrial part of Varna, the Varna Eneolithic Necropolis was under research excavations till 1991 under the directions of Mr. M.Lazarov /1972-1976/ and Mr. I. Ivanov /1972-1991/. It is situated about 500 m to the north of the Varna Lake and about 4 km to the west of downtown Varna. According to specialists, the findings are a part of eneolithic funeral, dating back to the IV century B.C. More than 294 graves were found, containing over 3000 golden objects with a total weight of over 6 kg. In one grave alone (grave No. 43), more gold was found than all the gold from this era found in the world by that moment. Besides the numerous golden decorations, different figures of idols and amulets were also discovered, some of them representing human figures, other –animals. The discoveries in the Varna Eneolithic Necropolis are the richest in Europe from the late eneolithic period. Experts describe them as "the world's oldest gold" and a trace of "Europe's most ancient civilization”. They are older than those found in Egypt and the Near East. The influence of the Varna gulf civilization on European culture formation is indisputable. The treasure is currently exhibited in the halls of the Archeological Museum in Varna.

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